BOSTON (WHDH) - Security has been beefed up along the Esplanade as hundreds of thousands of people pack in for the Fourth of July fireworks Monday night.
As investigators deal with increased threats worldwide leading up to the festivities, local officials are taking no chances.
The stage is set and a final run through happened over the weekend with almost all of the fanfare. For everything the audience saw at the dress rehearsal, there was a lot going on behind the scenes as well.
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“We’re certainly on a heightened sense of vigilance out here,” Mass. State Police Sgt. Tom Ryan said.
Security is a real concern, though State Police said they know of no specific threats targeting the July 4th celebration.
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Anyone coming in went through long, sometimes tedious security lines. Despite the long lines and security checkpoints, fans said the show is worth it.
State Police said anyone planning on coming to the Esplanade needs to check and see what is and isn’t allowed. They urge attendees to be patient and confident police are doing everything to keep people safe.
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In addition to the Boston Pops, Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato and Little Big Town will also be performing for the crowds along the Esplanade before the fireworks show. Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart, who has been doing the July 4 show for 22 years, called it a thrill to be a part of something so important to Massachusetts.
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